Okukan Karate Melbourne

Shitoryu Karate-Do • Melbourne Martial Arts

OKUKAN is a modern Japanese martial arts school of karate-Do, based in Melbourne. OKUKAN teaches the authentic Shitoryu style of karate, as originally founded by Master Kenwa Mabuni and later endorsed by the World Karate Federation (WKF), with high quality instruction and affiliation to mainstream peak bodies.

OKUKAN Adults Program

Good quality karate instruction: all adult classes are delivered by head and founder Sensei Sandra.

Our adult martial arts classes require no previous experience in martial arts. The first few lessons will introduce you straight into effective combat moves for self-defence and will give you a nice chance to learn generic martial arts drills and fundamental karate principles.

OKUKAN Kids Programs

All children’s classes are delivered by head and founder Sensei Sandra too! Just for Kicks!
(6-9yrs) and Just for Kicks! (10-15yrs) is our beginners karate course for children, teaching strong foundations through fun. They can then take their martial arts skills to the next level, all the way to black belt… and beyond! OKUKAN is also the parent organisation of the very special Kindy Karate program for 3-5 year olds.

Why OKUKAN Karate?

Our form of karate is government recognised within Australia and furthermore internationally endorsed by the International Olympic Committee. Karate is an Olympic Sport. Sensei Sandra is affiliated to the World Shitoryu Karate Federation and the World Karate Federation via Australian Representatives. These affiliations ensure our students learn modern martial arts that comply with international standards, and karate’s latest developments and trends.

How do you say it? Ock-oooh-can!

Our Karate Style

OKUKAN delivers the mainstream Shitoryu style of karate-do, which is one of the four main styles of karate in Japan. We are a traditionalist mainstream school that proudly follows the global style guidelines provided by the Shitoryu/Shitokai headquarters in Japan. The head of our organisation is the son of the founder of Shitoryu, Grandmaster Kenei Mabuni.

Our martial arts school has a challenging karate syllabus that includes over 50 forms and a large number of useful drills. Classes in our school are strongly influenced by generic Japanese approaches to oriental disciplines, such as Buddhism and the warrior culture.

Shitoryu is a very practical style: movements tend to be short and swift, demanding only the right amount of effort. Broadly speaking, training sessions consist of a combination of self-defence, form and sparring. You can opt-out of sparring if preferred.

Shitoryu curriculum contemplates the major aspects of empty hand fighting. Training Shitoryu will give students a level of expertise in blocks, attacks, breathing, speed and power, body movement and shift, precision, readiness, rhythm, timing, concentration, sight, accuracy, and balance. The learning of these aspects is evidenced in kata (pattern), bunkai (self-defence application), kihon (form practice), and kumite (sparring). In addition, students develop an appreciation of ethics. ‘Dojo Kun’ and ‘Shitoryu Five Way Spirit’ are pivotal to understanding the code of conduct that frames Shitoryu.

A little bit of history about Shitoryu karate:

There are more than 50 styles of karate in Japan. During the 1990’s four of these styles were selected in Japan to provide worldwide leadership in competitive sport. Until very recently, competitors could only perform ‘kata’ from these four styles in mainstream Karatedo tournaments. These styles are Shotokan, Gojyuryu, Wadoryu, and the style we practice at Okukan: Shitoryu. Shitoryu was devised by Master Kenwa Mabuni in the early 1900’s from a combination of the teachings of Master Itosu and Master Higaonna, two Okinawan masters from the eighteen hundreds. Shitoryu is now approved for competitive sport in the Olympics.

Coburg Dojo

Coburg Uniting Hall

19 Victoria Street, Coburg

Training days: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays

Training is year-round (excluding public holidays and our end of year break)

Collingwood Dojo

Collingwood Leisure Centre

2-28 Turnbull Avenue, Clifton Hill

Training days: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays

Training is year-round (excluding public holidays and our end of year break)